Ofcom launches spectrum auction for digital services

Ofcom launches spectrum auction for digital services



December 13, 2015

Ofcom has launched a multi-billion pound auction of radio spectrum, in preparation for the expected introduction of new digital services.

The switchover from analogue to digital TV, which started in Whitehaven, Cumbria, in October, will free up spectrum for alternative uses such as digital TV channels or ultra-fast wireless broadband.

Ofcom wants the market to decide how the spectrum should be put to use, and will offer the spectrum in an open auction, which will start in 2017.

This market led approach goes against calls from the ‘HD For All’ consortium, which included the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Sony, Samsung and Dixons, for the spectrum to be ring-fenced for the provision of high definition TV over Freeview.

Ofcom argues that HD TV can be provided over digital terrestrial TV and doesn’t require the allocated spectrum. The development of digital compression technology, together with the new DVB-T2 standard, could deliver HD channels by the end of 2017.

Ofcom has divided the available spectrum into key uses:

• HD and standard definition digital terrestrial TV

• Cognitive radio – a new wireless technology which can deliver broadband

• High-speed mobile broadband and mobile TV

• Local television – 25 new local TV stations across the UK

However, the categories are flexible and spectrum in each of the divisions could be used for other purposes.

Tim Yeo

Related Posts

Brits prefer surfing the net to eating good food

Comments Off on Brits prefer surfing the net to eating good food

LG aims to boost market share in recession

Comments Off on LG aims to boost market share in recession

Virgin Media recruits Yahoo oneSearch

Comments Off on Virgin Media recruits Yahoo oneSearch

New Consumer Friendly EU Telecoms Laws

Comments Off on New Consumer Friendly EU Telecoms Laws

ABI research reveals 4VDO market

Comments Off on ABI research reveals 4VDO market

GSMA calls for spectrum ‘refarm’

Comments Off on GSMA calls for spectrum ‘refarm’

Orange launches network in Kenya

Comments Off on Orange launches network in Kenya

SMS blood donor initiative in Portugal

Comments Off on SMS blood donor initiative in Portugal

GTA TeleGuam appoints EVP-Operations

Comments Off on GTA TeleGuam appoints EVP-Operations

Tiscali moves into quad-play with Toucan Mobile

Comments Off on Tiscali moves into quad-play with Toucan Mobile

Rural surfers may be ‘fobbed off’ with satellite broadband

Comments Off on Rural surfers may be ‘fobbed off’ with satellite broadband

AA extends O2 contract

Comments Off on AA extends O2 contract

Create Account



Log In Your Account